My love for Yosemite Valley and the Sierra Nevada extends
much beyond the breathtaking beauty that is so obvious to
the casual visitor. I have spent more time in Yosemite than
anywhere outside my home and have acquired the long-standing
nickname "Yosemite S.A.M." (my initials). From the absolute
beauty of Yosemite Valley shrouded in winter's snow to the
recreation and the rushing currents of the Merced river in
the spring, Yosemite is an ideal place to relax the mind and
invigorate the soul. Several campgrounds are available
during the summer months. The elegant Awahnee Hotel and the
affordable Yosemite Lodge are available year-round (weather
permitting). My tip is to go during January and February
when the crowds are down and the scenery is unbeatable.

South of Yosemite National Park is the popular Sequoia
National Park. Sequoia is very popular for families in
spring and summer months and reservations are required for
most campgrounds. My personal favorite is the Dorst
campground. There are many popular hiking trails (easy to
moderate) and activities for families in the park.

For those who would like to avoid the frequent crowds of
Yosemite in the spring and summer, I will suggest the much
more isolated Cedar Grove area of King's Canyon National
Park. Cedar Grove is accessable via a 45 minute drive from
the northern entrance of Sequoia National Park. Campsites
are available on a first-come basis (unlike Yosemite) and it
is rare that the four maintained campgrounds are full.

I have included several photographs of Yosemite and the
Sierras on my Gallery
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